Technical Abstract:
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a highly virulent food-borne pathogen that infects more than 70,000 people each year in the U. S and imposes a $700 million burden on the American economy. E. coli O157:H7 is frequently present in the gastrointestinal tract of cattle and is spread to the environment through fecal matter. Ruminant animals are asymptomatic carriers and cattle herds are now considered a natural reservoir of this pathogen. Because this serotype can be transmitted via food, water and direct contact, its ultimate control will require effective pre-harvest strategies to prevent enterohemorrhagic diarrhea. This review examines the use of anti-microbial, pro-biotic, dietary, and management strategies directed to reduce E. coli O157:H7 populations in cattle.